What is unique about the Repair Factory branches is that the activities have a technical touch. For example, at Gijsbrecht 423F you can get acquainted with technology and woodworking. At the bicycle shed at Zeedijk 33A you help visitors scan their bicycles in and out. Or you handle parcels at the post office. You can also help repair bicycles. You do not need any experience.
Participants of all ages
Care coach Lesley knows many participant stories: “One of our participants, a 77-year-old man, felt the walls closing in on him at home and hardly spoke to anyone anymore. It is always pleasantly busy in the bicycle shed. He can make himself useful and take a break whenever he wants. There is no work pressure and he has a nice place to go to have a cup of coffee together.” Director of Repair Factory Adwin adds: “People with a disability are also often lonely because they live on their own and have few people around them.”
Stepping stone to paid work
For young people who spend a lot of time on the streets, Repair Factory can be a solution. For some, it means a step towards paid work, especially for young people who are not doing well at school. Lesley: “By helping out in the bicycle shed, they no longer have to turn their day and night rhythm around and are challenged to develop themselves.” Adwin: “It can also prevent abuse. Young people on the streets are an easy target for criminals. With us, they can tell their story and learn from participants with a similar background.” Lesley: “We help them to see risks and seize opportunities. It goes much further than just coming here and working with technology.”
Being heard and seen
Being a care coach at Repair Factory is very satisfying according to Lesley: “It is fantastic work and great to offer people who cannot manage on their own activities to help them move forward. To develop themselves and gain more self-esteem. Here they feel heard and seen.” Adwin: “It feels like a family, because it does not stop when the doors close. I am a mentor for many. And how great is it to be able to offer a place where they can go?”
Call for supervisor
Are you an enthusiastic individual supervisor and care coach who wants to help people with a distance to the labor market grow and flourish? Do you get energy from guiding people and improving processes? Repair Factory is looking for someone with a higher professional education work and thinking level in the direction of social work, psychology or social work. Someone who is confident and has strong communication skills. Interns are also very welcome. For more information, please contact us via info@repairfactory.nl
All day activities at a glance
In almost every district in Hilversum there is a day activity place where Hilversum residents who need some extra guidance can go. Think of sports, making soup, eating together, making furniture or maintaining a vegetable garden. The activities give content to their day and can be a first step towards (volunteer) work. The living rooms support participants in making new social contacts and staying active. They are easily accessible and can be visited without an indication. Residents do not first have to apply to the municipality for 'an individual provision' but can register directly. For more information, see the day activities page.
